A MAN found in possession of several pieces of cocaine in February was found guilty and sentenced in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court to three years imprisonment or a fine of R9 000.
Muzi Makathini (42) was found with 30 pieces of the dangerous dependency producing substance at an Aquadene house and charged with dealing in drugs and possession.
While he faced two counts, he was only found guilty and convicted on the charge of possession.
State Prosecutor, Chantelle Govender, led evidence of two witnesses, policemen who were acting on information about the house where drugs were believed to have been sold.
The accused allowed the officers to comb the property, however, he was reluctant to be searched himself and kept his hand inside his pocket throughout the search.
When they eventually searched him, he removed the drugs from his pocket and was arrested.
Meanwhile in sentencing, Magistrate Ludewyk La Grange said it was sad that the quickest way to make money was so detrimental to society.
‘The distribution of drugs affects everyone and we cannot distance ourselves from it as we have families who have become dependent on the substance.
‘We have to take note of how many children are in rehabs and mental institution as drugs have such a damaging effect on the brain.
‘People who distribute drugs have no compassion for the end user, they do not care as long as their children are fine; is this what we call ubuntu?
‘The court is the mouthpiece of the community and it is sad to see the parents outcry for a drug free society; children are stealing from their parents, killing people for cellphones to sell for drugs.
‘Drugs are a catalyst that must be wiped out of society and the sentence must strive to deter other would-be offenders,’ he said.
